Staff

Mike Renema, PT

Owner

Mike Renema earned his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University, a Bachelors of Business Administration in 1978 and a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy in 1994 from Wayne State University.  Mike has practiced in Cardiopulmonary, Geriatric, Neurological and Orthopedic Physical Therapy.  He has experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, out patient care and home care.

Mike has over 10,000 hours of experience in geriatric rehabilitation in home care. He also has continued his education in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.  Mike is currently a member of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association.

Peter R. Kovacek, PT, DPT, MSA

Owner

Peter Kovacek has been actively involved in physical therapy and a member of APTA and MPTA over the past 27 years. Peter is currently Vice President of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association. Peter was the President of the Section on Administration of APTA 1998-2002 and served on the APTA Nominating Committee 2001-2004. Peter was also Vice President of the Acute Care Section of APTA1996-1998 and a member of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association Board of Directors serving as Public Relations Director and Member of the Nominating Committee in the early 1990's.

Peter has vast experience in many areas of rehabilitation practice and management. As a clinician, Peter has been a skilled geriatric and cardiopulmonary physical therapist for over 27 years. Peter has spoken and consulted extensively on managerial and leadership topics for over 15 years and is a frequent keynote and featured speaker for American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Chapters and annually has been an invited speaker for APTA national conferences and symposia. Peter has participated in a large number of professional task forces and summits on topics ranging from coding, billing and financial management to legislation and regulatory issues. Peter is a popular writer and lecturer on a wide variety of topics ranging from basic rehabilitation management skills for new or potential managers to advanced leadership and entrepreneurial skills for veteran managers, administrators and owners.

Peter is a member of the Editorial Advisory Boards of and frequent contributor to PT - The Magazine of Physical Therapy and Briefings on Outpatient Rehabilitation Reimbursement and Regulations. Peter was also a monthly columnist for Advance for Physical Therapists for over 10 years.

Peter is the co-author with his wife, Jake, of Managing Physical Rehabilitation in a Managed Care Environment, co-author of the leading rehab management textbook for student therapists, Management and Supervisory Principles for Physical Therapists, published by Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

He is a co-owner of several Michigan-based rehabilitation companies including Kovacek Management Services, Inc. a company that specializes in management development and consulting in Rehabilitation Services, In Home Rehab LLC a company that provides rehabilitation services to individuals in the confines of there personal residence, Long Term Care Rehab Management, LLC a company that provides rehabilitation services on contract to skilled nursing facility residence and 1st Choice Physical Therapy, LLC a general orthopedic and geriatric outpatient clinic in Macomb County. Peter is also the founder and owner of PTManager.com - the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation management and administration web site on the internet - serving over 15,000 rehab administrators and owners with the latest regulatory and leadership information daily.

Peter received his undergraduate degree (cum Laude) in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1977 and his Masters of Science in Administration (with an emphasis on health care marketing) from Central Michigan University in 1984. He has also been adjunct or part time faculty at Wayne State University and Oakland University since 1979 and is currently visiting faculty at Central Michigan University, University of Maryland and Northern Arizona University.

Peter was inducted into the APTA Section on Administration Hall of Fame in February 2002. Additionally, his peers have recognized Peter by being awarding him the APTA Section on Administration Leadership Award in 2000, APTA Acute Care Section Jim Dunleavy Outstanding Service Award in 1999 and the American Cancer Society of Michigan Distinguished Volunteer Award in 1992 - all the highest honors of each of the respected organizations.

Julie Liedel, OTR/L

Owner

Julie Liedel, OTR graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Julie was Supervisor of Therapy at Heartland Rehabilitation's Plymouth Court and began the Hand Therapy program at Garden City Hospital.  She has experience in Geriatrics, Custom Splinting and Orthotics, Hand Therapy, Aquatics, Sports Rehabilitation, Acute Trauma Care, Home Care and Orthopedics.

Julie has been a Clinical Instructor to over 20 Occupational Therapist Interns and has attended numerous continuing clinical education programs.

Renee Cottrell, PT

Renee Cottrell, PT is a 1982 graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.  Renee has worked in a variety of settings including hospital acute care and out patient orthopedic rehabilitation.  Her participation in many continuing education courses throughout her career has provided her with a variety of treatment options to offer to her patients.  Her goal is to provide each patient with the individual treatment that will maximize function, comfort and quality of life.

Kathleen "Jake" Jakubiak Kovacek, PT

Kathleen "Jake" Jakubiak Kovacek, PT has been actively involved in APTA and MPTA since 1975. Jake has had extensive experience in a variety of leadership rolls - both within the Association and in various employment settings. She has also been adjunct or part time faculty at Wayne State University and Oakland University since 1995 and is currently a visiting faculty member at Central Michigan University. Jake received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (with Highest Honors) from Wayne State University and completed course work for Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Jake has served the APTA and MPTA as Chief Delegate six times, Eastern District Chair and Vice Chair and has been a member of the Board of Directors of MPTA for over ten years. Jake is also active in Boy Scouts of America and Girls Scouts of America as an adult leader and has served on many community service oriented professional advisory boards and committees.

In 1995 Jake was presented the MPTA's Marjorie Stamm Award for outstanding contributions made to the profession of Physical Therapy and exceptional leadership and dedicated service at District, State & National Levels.

Dana Bongiorno, OTR/L

Dana Bongiorno graduated from Oakland University in 1994 and Wayne State University in 1999, where she obtained her degrees in Medical Laboratory Science and Occupational Therapy respectively. Dana has worked with three St. John Hospital facilities as well as a Home Care Rehab company. Dana has taken educational courses on topics such as Assessing and Treating Progressive Neurological Diseases and Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation: Stroke Management. Dana is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Phi Theta Epsilon Ð the National Occupational Therapy Honor Society.

What Dana enjoys most about being an Occupational Therapist is helping people achieve their maximal potential. Dana is married and has three daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, genealogy, gardening, and music.

Lynette Griffin, PT

Lynette Griffin is a 1990 graduate of Michigan State University where she obtained her Bachelor degree in Exercise Science. She went on to receive her Masters degree from Oakland University in 1994. Lynette has worked for Oakwood Hospital and CORA Rehab.

Lynette is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is a volunteer for St. Jude Children's Hospital. The parts she enjoys most about her profession are meeting new people, teaching, and helping others. She is married with two children.

Stephanie Hollifield, OTR/L

Stephanie Hollifield, OTR/L is a 2006 graduate of Baker College of Flint, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association and has continued her education by studying craniosacral therapy. Stephanie has worked in a variety of settings and enjoys knowing that she assists her clients to get better and feel better about themselves. Stephanie was married in 2008. She enjoys camping, dancing, laughing, and being with friends and family.

Julie Hoover, PT

Julie Hoover, PT is a 1998 Graduate of Wayne State University with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. She has a varied background that includes Orthopedics, Acute and Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, Out-patient Therapy, and Geriatric Rehabilitation. Julie has taken extensive continuing education courses with emphasis on Neurological Rehabilitation, Manual Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Cervicogenic Headaches. Julie is also certified as a Strength Weight and Fitness Trainer.

Melanie Kapa, PT

Melanie Kapa, PT is a Central Michigan graduate. She obtained her Health Fitness in Rehab and Preventative Settings undergraduate degree in 1999 and her Master's degree in Physical Therapy in 2002. Melanie has worked in sub-acute, hospital, and outpatient settings in Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas. She has completed multiple continuing education courses on geriatrics, balance, and neurology. Melanie is a member of the APTA and MPTA. She enjoys helping people achieve their maximal functional potential as well as hearing life experiences of her patients. In her free time, Melanie enjoys hiking, photography, watching hockey, and spending time with family and friends.

Heidi Pangborn, PT

Heidi Pangborn obtained her first Bachelors degree in English in 1990 from Wayne State University and her second Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy in 1993 from the University of Kentucky. Heidi has also continued her education through several courses including Neurological Diseases.

Heidi has experience in outpatient orthopedics, geriatric home care, and has been working at Maple Heights for four years. Her hobbies include martial arts, waterskiing, and boating with her husband and three daughters.

Sandra Papuga, PT

Sandra Papuga attended undergraduate and graduate school at Wayne State University. She received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1975, a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy in 1976, and a Masters Degree in 1990. Sandy also obtained a Specialists Certificate in Gerontology.

Sandy has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and rehabilitation settings for 31 years. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association. Sandy believes that the most rewarding parts of her profession are seeing patients move toward independence, sharing life stories, and learning from her clients.

Jackie Perantoni, PT, MHS

Jackie Perantoni graduated from Wayne State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She received a certificate in Rehabilitation Facility Administration from DePaul University in 1990. She earned her Master of Health Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1992.

Jackie has hands on experience in a variety of settings including home care, acute care and outpatient orthopedics. She has attended numerous courses focusing on geriatrics and orthopedics. Jackie is married with two children.

David has had clinical experiences ranging from collegiate sports to orthopedic, neurological and geriatric rehabilitation in a wide range of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehab programs.

David has extensive advanced orthopedic physical therapy training with the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy including an extensive residency.

Linda Pipp, PT

Linda Pipp earned a Bachelor degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy from Wayne State University in 1970. She has pursued many continuing education courses in specialty areas of PT and Geriatrics, including courses on Pharmacology and Osteoporosis.

She loves getting to know each one of her patients and enjoys the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives. Linda is married with three children. She enjoys reading, pets and animals, and commercial aircraft. Linda is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association.

Julie Shahly, PT

Julie Shahly, PT graduated from Oakland University. She earned her degree in Physical Therapy in 1985. Julie has worked in the acute care setting as well as inpatient, pediatric, and home care settings. She has completed additional training in vestibular and balance dysfunction therapy. Julie welcomes the opportunity to get to know many interesting people, being a Physical Therapist. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading and walking. Julie has three kids, ages 14, 17, and 21.

Linda Steigerwald, OTR/L

Linda Steigerwald graduated from Western Michigan University in 1975 with a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy. She continued her education by attending Oakland University, where she graduated from in 1980. Linda has worked at Baker College of Flint, Cottage Hospital, and Beaumont Hospital. She is a member of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association. Linda enjoys working with and meeting new people.

Her favorite part about working as an Occupational Therapist is having fun with patients while they have fun, too. In her spare time, Linda enjoys reading, walking, movies, and spending time with her family, including her 4-legged children (a dog and a cat)

Elizabeth Uppleger, PT

Elizabeth Uppleger, PT is a Wayne State University graduate. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1986. Since then, she has worked for the DMC for 20 years and Bon Secour Hospital for 8 years. Liz enjoys interaction with and impact on daily lives, especially those in the geriatric population. Liz is married with two teenaged daughters. In her free time, she likes walking, bicycling, fishing, and traveling with her family.

Kelly Vadnais, OTR/L

Kelly Vadnais, OTR/L graduated from Baker College in 2000 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Kelly is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Prior to working with In Home Rehab, she worked for Agility Health for five years. Kelly loves helping and working with people.

Beverly Worman, PT

Beverly Worman, PT graduated from Wayne State University in 1984 and obtained her degree in Physical Therapy. Beverly previously worked for Detroit Receiving Hospital, The Rehab Institute, Henry Ford Rehab, and Visiting Nurses of South East Michigan. Beverly has continuing education in hand therapy, E-I, and exercise training. She is married and has 3 active children. In her spare time Beverly enjoys outdoor walks, sports, and good books.

Kelly Bradley, COTA

Kelly Bradley attended Schoolcraft College and graduated in 1993 as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Kelly has worked at Heartland Rehab and Eisenhower Center for a combined total of 10 years. She has continued her education by taking several courses, including low vision rehabilitation and electrical stimulation techniques. Kelly is a member of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She loves working with the senior population and helping people stay as independent as possible. Kelly is married with three children. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys gardening and spending time with family and friends.